Counterpoint
- It: Contrapasto
- Lat: Contrapunctus
Defn: A musical device using contrary motion, perfected in the Baroque Period and exemplified by the music of J.S. Bach (1685-1750).
In music
Bars 1-8 from Bach Prelude No.1 (WTC) by J.S. Bach.
Bach's Guitar: Master Chords and unlock your Right Hand
In Nature
Trees often display intricate counterpoint.
The deeper you look, the more contrapuntal movement you will see. We choose energetic brush strokes to emphasise this musical movement. In another painting we might choose to stipple, representing intersecting clouds of harmony.